Six Flags bought the property for $22 million in March of 2002. The company that owned the park filed for bankruptcy in February of 2002, after obtaining $25.3 million to build the park. The following year the park saw less than half the amount of visitors. That was the only great year for Jazzland. In its first season, the park saw 1.1 million visitors.
The park expected to sell around 20,000 season passes, but they sold four times that amount. It originally opened as Jazzland on May 20, 2000.
This park was only open for five years, and under two different names. With both parks failing, and $2 million in debt, the parks were forced to close. During the 1970s, Arkansas experienced extremely mild winters, which meant the snow machines, ski hills, chalets, and lodgings sat empty. To have enough snow for skiing, snow machines had to be used. In an attempt to gain more revenue, a sister park was opened Marble Falls Resort, which would be the first ski resort. The first year they had 300,000 visitors, but they never saw more than 200,000 any year after that. The park was expected to bring in $5 million a year after 10 years, but attendance at the park fell. Admission was $1.50 for adults and $0.75 for children, but they were able to bring in a net profit of $100,000 from their first year. On its opening day, Dogpatch USA saw over 8,000 visitors on May 17, 1968. There was even going to be an arts building where local artisans could sell their candles, wood carvings, soaps, embroidered aprons, and glass-blown pieces. There were going to be mild attractions like horseback riding, paddle boats, train rides, a garden, and small theatre performances from the characters. The plan was to fully commit to the theme in the comic. The difference in the realtor’s idea was he wanted to keep the park quiet roller coasters and rides would detract from the rustic theme throughout the comic. He approached the comic creator, who had previously refused similar ideas.
He saw similarities between the property and the comic and had a crazy idea to make a park based on the comic. In 1966, a trout farm listing was given to a realtor. There was no news on the closure, and no public outreach to try to get more visitors to the park.ĭogpatch USA was a small amusement park based on a fictional village in the comic ‘Li’l Abner’ created by Al Capp. In 1978, the park closed without any big exit. This roller coaster would then be accompanied by two more roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, many other rides, and even a ballroom. It wasn’t very big, only about 50ft tall, but it operated until the park closed. It took until the 1920s for a modern roller coaster to be built at the park. After each ride, the roller coaster had to be pushed back to the start of the track after passengers got off. The park transferred ownership, and a steamboat and roller coaster were brought in to start the amusement park. This park opened in 1878 and closed 100 years later in 1978.īefore becoming Chippewa Lake Park, it was Andrew’s Pleasure Grounds, featuring a picnic area and a beach.
They have just as much history as old military buildings or insane asylums, but without the creepy death part (mostly).Īre you interested in urban exploration? Head on over to our complete beginner’s guide so you can be fully prepared for your first exploration. Why should you visit abandoned amusement parks?Ībandoned amusement parks are large sites, with lots to look at. Parents bringing their children for days of entertainment, birthday parties, and a way to get out of the house.
Unlike many abandoned places, amusement parks were full of joy before they closed down.